Things to do in Lake Tahoe in Summer

Summer in South Lake Tahoe

When summer comes to this gorgeous lake region, the weather is spot on for water activities, the trails are open for hiking and biking, and the views are, as always, outstanding.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains offer more than fantastic skiing; try summer in Lake Tahoe too. The tall peaks shed their white snow and turn into playgrounds for hiking, biking and camping. Get out on the lake for cruises, watersports and swimming. Play outstanding golf and enjoy entertainment along the lakeshore.

Beautiful Lake Tahoe is the focal point for fun and adventures. The water may be a bit chilly, but it's great for boating, watersports and brisk swimming. Check out a dozen different beaches along the more than 70 miles of shoreline. Sand Harbor in the north has fishing, stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling in the clear water. Picnic in the shade of a Jeffrey pine and stick your nose into its bark to inhale vanilla scents. Get a culture fix at the park's Shakespeare Festival.

South Lake Tahoe has sandy Lakeview Commons at El Dorado Beach. Soak up the sun and swim here all day or take a quick break from other activities. Gaze over the lake from the terraced seating. On Thursday evenings listen to live music at the free summer concert series, with art and a beer garden.

Zephyr Cove on the southeastern shore offers watersports galore, from boat rentals to parasailing and WaveRunners. Sightsee with lunch, dinner or cocktails on an old-fashioned paddlewheeler, the colorful M.S. Dixie II. More cruises leaving from Camp Richardson, Ski Run Marina and Tahoe Keys Marina run trips to Emerald Bay, one of the lake's most picturesque sections.

Lake Tahoe has history and legends for your kids. Stand above Emerald Bay's blue-green waters and pretty Fannette Island. The captain who lived there as caretaker regularly rowed his boat for miles along the shore...until one day a storm took his life. Rent a kayak to paddle to the island and climb to the ruins of a teahouse. Hike down from the southwestern shoreline to Vikingsholm Castle, a summer home built in Scandinavian style about 90 years ago. The true story of the Donner Party is eloquently told at Donner Memorial State Park northwest of Lake Tahoe.

Golf your way around the lake. Bijou Municipal Golf, Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Edgewood Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe offer budget choices and great views. In the north, Old Brockway is a local favorite, while NorthStar and the Resort at Squaw Creek feature championship golf. Check for deals at special times.

Camping around Lake Tahoe combines saving money and enjoying nature. Camp Richardson, Meeks Bay Resort and Sand Harbor have on-the-water sites. For a fun alternative, try boat-in camping at Emerald Bay.

The mountains that welcome skiers in winter have mountain bike and hiking appeal in summer. Hike or ride horseback along the Tahoe Rim Trail around the lake; about half is open to bikers. Downhill experts can take on NorthStar's trails and park. Bike trails also run intermittently near lake level for more relaxed touring. Take lifts to the top of Heavenly and other ski resorts for outstanding views.

As summer heats up, Lake Tahoe will help you keep your cool.

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Summer in North Lake Tahoe

Long summer days in North Lake Tahoe give you the time to sample all this region has to offer. Enjoy the best of both worlds: on the water or on dry land. Have an adventure or catch up on your R & R. All is possible in North Lake Tahoe.

Image: Northstar California Resort

Truly a year-round destination, North Lake Tahoe transforms in summer from a winter wonderland to a gorgeous adventure playground. When it comes to exploring the lake and its surrounds, you're spoilt for choice. On dry land, you can take your pick of mountain biking, hiking and camping. Can't wait to get out on the water? From leisurely kayaking along the shoreline to high-speed Jet Ski rides, dive right in and have some fun.

North Lake Tahoe is home to Sand Harbor state park, a postcard-perfect beach offering a range of water activities. The water may be chilly, but on a hot day it's a great place to cool off. Explore its distinctive rounded boulders as you kayak through the crystal-clear water. Tahoe City's Commons Beach is a great place to take the family. It's home to a grassy park complete with a children's playground, as well as a program of concerts in the summer months.

The northern section of the lake has no shortage of water sport rentals and tour options. Paddleboards, canoes and boats are a great way to get out on the water. For something a little more exciting, strap in and take to the skies on a heart-pumping parasailing ride. Jet Skiing is another great option for those with a need for speed. If you feel like dropping a line in, head out on a chartered fishing trip.

The Truckee River offers the closest whitewater rafting to Lake Tahoe. Take on the rapids and try not to get too wet! These half-day tours, which cater to both beginner and intermediate rafters, will whisk you through pine forests all the way to the cottonwood-lined banks of the High Sierra desert.

Hike your way around Lake Tahoe Rim. Making up a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, you can expect stunning views along this popular track. Want to get a bigger taste of the Pacific Crest? Guided multi-day walks are an easy way to go wild. Pack your bags and head off for anywhere between two and 15 days.

Where there's skiing in the winter, you can expect excellent mountain biking in the summer. Lake Tahoe Rim is the number-one attraction here. Not all of it is open to bikers, but the parts that are will surely blow you away. If you're looking for an easier ride, the North Tahoe Ale Trail is every bit as good as it sounds. Follow scenic trails before stopping off for a refreshing drink at one of Tahoe's delicious brewhouses.

Traveling is all about new experiences, so why not try... disc golf! The 18 holes at Tahoe Vista Regional Disk Golf Course will put your Frisbee-throwing skills to the test. Of course, if it's regular golf you're after, North Lake Tahoe has that too. The region has 10 golf courses, with most boasting fantastic views. Having recently*turned 100, Tahoe City Golf Course offers a history lesson as well as a relaxing day on the green. For more of a challenge, head for the tight fairways and fast greens of Incline Village Championship Golf Course. You'll never forget the view from the tee!

With so much to see and do, there's no doubt North Lake Tahoe is one of the hottest summer destinations around.

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